The CAA aims to launch the new Digital PDRA01 Application Tool at the beginning of March. The aim is to simplify the PDRA01 application and renewal process, and to make it online.The key expected benefit is that applying for an OA will be made easy and quick. The review and approval process will also be automated and quicker.
The philosophy is that the Operator will make a number of declarations of Compliance to get the OA, which will formalise his/her commitment to follow the regulatory requirements and his/her legal responsibility. That responsibility has always existed, but the oversight regime of it is evolving.
Each and every application will no longer be individually renewed, at least not in detail, because the operator will have ticked the many required boxes and committed to compliance. The CAA oversight teams will focus more on conducting adhoc audits – a little but like tax returns and tax oversight regime.
A template PDRA01 Operations Manual will be provided, which should clarify what’s required to be compliant in practice as well.
Will it change the heart of PDRA01, meaning its obligations and privileges? Or the interpretation of them? Like the issue of distance from uninvolved persons? It is unclear at this stage, and we’ll continue engagement on that point.
Below are key extracts of CAA communication to drone operators due to renew soon, for transparency.
“This marks the first milestone in the Digitisting Specific Category Operations (DiSCO) project that aims to transform the Operational Authorisation process for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in the Specific Category.
Key features of the new PDRA01 Application Tool:
The new PDRA01 Application Tool aims to make it simpler and quicker for you to apply for a PDRA01 based Operational Authorisation. Key features include:
- A streamlined application process: PDRA01 applications will be declarative in nature, reducing the amount of information required to be provided to us at point of application.
- Faster authorisation: Authorisation outcomes will be provided within 24 hours.
- Improved guidance and support: We’ve simplified the guidance on the CAA website to help you understand what you can do under a PDRA01, the requirements you need to meet and how to apply. We will also provide a new PDRA01 Operations Manual template that will help you to ensure you are compliant.
- Self-service access: Once applications are approved applicants are notified by email.PDRA01 Operational Authorisation certificates will then be available to view and download at any time in My Registration.0
- Oversight regime: Post-application, operators will continue to be subject to compliance oversight during the 12-month period over which their authorisation is valid, as part of our oversight regime. This will involve being asked to provide an up-to-date Operations Manual, along with evidence that the processes within it are being followed, such as logbooks.
What the launch means for operators:
When we launch the new PDRA01 Application Tool, we will only accept PDRA01 applications made via the new process. The existing PDRA01 application form will no longer be in use.
If you have started an application on the current PDRA01 application form (which you can do from 3 months before your expiry date), you will be able to continue and submit this application for 30 days after the system goes live. After this point, you will need to start a new application on the new PDRA01 Application Tool.
You will be able to renew your authorisation using the new tool from 28 days before it expires. Please note that you will need to have a valid Operator ID before you can start the application process.
Charges
The fee you pay for Operational Authorisations pays for both the initial, and ongoing regulation of the RPAS industry, including assessing applications, ongoing oversight and introducing new and improved technology such as the new PDRA01 Application Tool and the associated upkeep of the new technology system (and broader DiSCO programme).
The fee for applications made on the new PDRA01 Application Tool will be £290 for applications made on or before 31st March 2024, and £314 for applications made on or after 1st April 2024 (as per the 2024/25 Scheme of Charges). There will only be one flat fee going forwards to streamline and simplify the process.
Please visit the CAA website for further information on charges.
How we’ll let you know when the tool is live
We’re aiming to launch the tool at the beginning of March. We’ll email you again when the tool is live and ready to use. You will also be some of the first users of the new process, so there will be increased support available for you, should you have any issues. “
A-L Scaillierez